Kate Tracey, Callum Helliwell and Sam Boswell gathered on the Weekend Winners programme to dissect the most promising betting opportunities for an action‑packed racing weekend both in Britain and overseas. As the broadcast drew to a close, the trio turned their attention to the upcoming Prix Ganay, a Group 1 contest staged at Longchamp in Paris at 3:25 pm on Sunday. The race, which was won last season by Sosie—who later finished third in the Arc—will feature six contenders battling over a demanding ten‑furlong distance.
Among the entries, Daryz returns as the clear favourite after a dominant performance in the previous year’s Parisian classic. He will be ridden by veteran jockey Francis‑Henri Graffard and will face a field that includes Cualificar, Arrow Eagle and the mare Aventure. One of the panelists explained his rationale for backing the long‑shot Aventure despite her recent disappointment in the Arc. "I’m taking on the favourite Daryz in the Prix Ganay, even though he beat my pick in his last outing of the season," he said.
"Aventure is in the race and she endured a nightmare run in the Arc last year—drawn wide, unable to settle, and she sank through the field like a heavy stone in water." He continued, "She was far from disgraceful behind Calandagan last season, a horse with rock‑solid form who happens to be the stablemate of the favourite. This time she’ll carry less weight, and if she’s fit and eager, I think she’ll bounce back to her best today." The conversation then shifted to a broader preview of the weekend’s programming on Sky Sports Racing.
The host reminded listeners that the channel will also feature a French Derby showdown between Dolmalan and Montreal at Chantilly, a preview of flat‑horse prospects for 2026, and a correction to the 2000 Guineas entry list after an administrative error by Aidan O’Brien. Additional segments will include a discussion of the Silver Trophy at Ripon, a look at Derby hopeful Raaheeb’s stylish Classic Trial win at Sandown, and an analysis of Opera Ballo’s victory over Field Of Gold in a mile‑length clash.
Returning to the Prix Ganay, another analyst voiced his confidence in Daryz, stating, "Daryz had a superb season last year. Although he under‑performed in the Juddmonte International, he rescued his stud value with an Arc win.
I expect him to dominate this field on his seasonal debut, especially with Mickaël Barzalona in the saddle. Even if his fitness isn’t perfect, his class should see him through." The panel also reflected on last year’s Arc, noting that Daryz was their tip for the winner. "He’s making his seasonal re‑appearance today, and the buzz from the Graffard interview was surprisingly negative," the commentator observed. "His ultimate goal is the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, so he might be a bit under‑cooked for today’s test.
I’ll adopt a watching brief and see how the connections’ comments play out." Beyond the immediate race analysis, the hosts emphasized the value of staying connected to the sport via mobile platforms. They urged listeners to download the Sky Sports Racing app for real‑time news, exclusive interviews, and feature stories that keep fans informed wherever they are. In summary, the upcoming Prix Ganay presents a classic clash of a proven champion against a determined mare hoping to redeem herself after a sub‑par Arc performance.
While Daryz enters as the odds‑on favourite, the panel’s diverse viewpoints highlight the uncertainty inherent in top‑level racing. Aventure’s lighter weight and potential improvement, combined with the tactical acumen of Graffard and Barzalona, could produce an upset that rewards bold betting. Conversely, Daryz’s proven stamina over ten furlongs and his proven partnership with Barzalona make him a safe, albeit potentially over‑priced, selection. Listeners are encouraged to watch the full Weekend Winners episode on the At The Races YouTube channel for a deeper dive into each horse’s form, trainer insights, and the latest betting odds.
The broadcast will also feature live coverage of the Prix Ganay on Sky Sports Racing, allowing fans to witness the drama unfold in real time. Whether you back the favourite or gamble on the outsider, the race promises a thrilling display of elite European flat racing.